THOUSANDS of pounds worth of funding is being offered to improve Blandford town centre.

North Dorset District Council is giving local organisations and businesses the opportunity to apply for funding for projects that could improve the town centre.

There is £77k of funding available for town centre enhancements, a community resource centre, market place improvements, shop front improvements, retail opportunities and town centre promotion projects.

With a further £49k from previous developer contributions funding available for “pedestrian and environmental enhancement measures.”

The available funds have come from developer contributions following the build of Lidl’s supermarket and remaining funds from previous developments.

Cllr David Walsh, North Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “We’re setting up a simple process, involving the Town Council, business representation and the Town Team, so projects can be considered.

“This is an exciting opportunity to make improvements to the town centre, I would encourage local organisations and businesses to express an interest by contacting the district council.”

Organisations and businesses interested in applying in the first instance are invited to submit an expression of interest by midday on Monday, September 25.

For more information on the funding or to download the Expression of Interest form visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/north-dorset-economic-growth-fund or contact Hugh de Iongh, Community Development Officer at HdeIongh@dorset.gov.uk.